Defending Democracy

Democracy Docket

Weekly podcast from Democracy Docket going over the top voting rights, elections and democracy news.

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Will Key States Have Fair Maps in 2024?

Defending Democracy

10/20/23 • 30 min

The redistricting cycle is far from over. Litigation over congressional maps continues in 12 states, but in 5 key southern states, there is a path for fair maps in 2024. Marc and Paige break down these states — Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida — where they’re at in the litigation process and why every American should care.

For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected].

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Alabama

Louisiana

Georgia

South Carolina

Florida

10/20/23 • 30 min

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How Thousands of Mississippians Could Get Their Right to Vote Back

Defending Democracy

09/15/23 • 27 min

In August, the 5th Circuit struck down a Jim Crow-era provision of the Mississippi Constitution that permanently disenfranchised Mississippians with certain felony convictions. The 2-1 opinion held that the provision violates the 8th Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment.

Paloma Wu of the Mississippi Center for Justice and Hannah Williams of Mississippi Votes join Marc Elias to discuss Mississippi's harsh felony disenfranchisement law, how it affects people on the ground and the innovative lawsuit fighting for these communities.

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Resources:

Alert: 5th Circuit Strikes Down Mississippi’s Jim Crow Era Felony Disenfranchisement Provision

Mississippi Votes' Rights Restoration page

Hopkins v. Horsemann Case Page

"The Supreme Court Allows a Relic of White Supremacy To Remain in Mississippi’s Constitution" by Rob McDuff

Felony Disenfranchisement, Explained

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09/15/23 • 27 min

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Where Does the U.S. Supreme Court Go From Here?

Defending Democracy

07/21/23 • 35 min

The U.S. Supreme Court wrapped up its latest term last month, issuing decisions affecting elections, affirmative action, student loan relief and more as justices faced allegations of ethics violations. Marc and Paige discuss the rulings in the face of falling confidence in and support for the nation’s highest court.

For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected].

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The Fight for Democracy Includes Abortion Rights with Skye Perryman

Defending Democracy

10/13/23 • 30 min

When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in the Dobbs decision, it was allegedly returning the question of abortion to the states and voters. However, the same forces that work to reduce abortion access also aim to suppress voters. Skye Perryman, CEO of Democracy Forward, joins the podcast to discuss how the fight for abortion access is connected to the fight for democracy and you can’t have one without the other.

For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected].

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Resources:

Learn about Democracy Forward’s lawsuit fighting to secure mifepristone access
Marc Elias: A Constellation of Anti-Voting Groups Threaten Democracy
Katy Shanahan: Abortion Rights Are at the Center of Ohio GOP’s Latest Attack on Democracy
Alert: Ohio Supreme Court Orders Small Tweak to GOP Rewrite of Abortion Amendment Ballot Language
Alert: Abortion Amendment Will Be On Ballot This Fall, Ohio Supreme Court Rules

10/13/23 • 30 min

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A Looming Threat to the 2024 Elections

Defending Democracy

10/27/23 • 29 min

Across the country, there are growing reports of small groups and individuals harassing voters, challenging people’s rights to vote and spreading election disinformation. This movement of election vigilantism is poised to become one of the biggest threats to the 2024 elections. Marc and Paige break down exactly what these groups are doing, the new technologies supporting their work and how to stop them.

For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected].

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10/27/23 • 29 min

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Q+A with Marc Elias

Defending Democracy

11/10/23 • 25 min

Marc Elias answers the top questions from Defending Democracy listeners about democracy, voting rights, and litigation. Plus, Marc shares what gives him hope for the 2024 election.

For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected].

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Resources:

Marc Elias: A “Big Lie” Ring Leader Becomes Speaker of the House
Marc Elias: The “Big One” Missing From Trump’s Indictment
Defending Democracy Podcast: How Thousands of Mississippians Could Get Their Right to Vote Back

11/10/23 • 25 min

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What’s at Stake in the Wisconsin Supreme Court Race Feat. Ben Wikler

Defending Democracy

03/17/23 • 47 min

Wisconsin has long been an important swing state for presidential elections, but it has grown into a major battleground in the fight for democracy. All eyes are on the Wisconsin Supreme Court race that will determine decisions related to gerrymandering, abortion access and the 2024 presidential election. Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler joins to discuss what’s at stake in the April 4 election, Republicans’ continued attacks on democracy and how people — in and out of state — can help.

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03/17/23 • 47 min

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Ohio Republicans’ War on Democracy

Defending Democracy

06/02/23 • 18 min

Ohio Republicans are taking a sledgehammer to democracy. In their latest act, the Ohio GOP has passed a proposal to make it more difficult for voters to amend their own state constitution by increasing the threshold for state constitutional amendments to pass, despite overwhelming public opposition. To make matters worse — they’re pushing an allegedly illegal August election to ram through the proposal before Ohioans are expected to vote on a pro-choice abortion measure in November.

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North Carolina Republicans Want a Redo

Defending Democracy

01/27/23 • 26 min

Update: On Feb. 3, 2023, the North Carolina Supreme Court agreed to rehear both cases. Find out more here.
North Carolina’s Republican-controlled Legislature wants the newly red state Supreme Court to rehear two major voting rights cases that they lost last term. Marc and Paige discuss how this is just North Carolina Republicans' latest scheme in its long history of undermining free and fair elections.

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North Carolina Republicans Ask State Supreme Court To Rehear Photo ID Law

Read The Latest Gambit From North Carolina Republicans by Marc Elias

Read: Partisan Control Was on the Line in These State Supreme Court Races by Mac Brower

Shelby County v. Holder

Moore v. Harper

Holmes v. Moore

Community Success Initiative v. Moore

01/27/23 • 26 min

The Judiciary Needs Reform feat. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse

Defending Democracy

01/20/23 • 41 min

On the 13th anniversary of Citizens United and the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we’re joined by special guest Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) to discuss issues facing the judiciary and the network of anti-democratic forces influencing our courts.

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Related links:
Moore v. Harper Case Page
Merrill v. Milligan Case Page
American Tradition Partnership, Inc. v. BullockRead Sen. Whitehouse’s amicus brief in Moore v. Harper
Read Sen. Whitehouse’s book The Scheme: How the Right Wing Used Dark Money to Capture the Supreme CourtRead A Constellation of Anti-Voting Groups Threaten Democracy by Marc Elias